Armored vehicles often operate in high-risk environments where visibility is limited. Darkness, smoke, dust, fog, debris, and enemy action can severely degrade or completely deny the driver’s ability to see through conventional optics. Windshields may be damaged or obscured, headlights may be tactically unusable, and reliance on standard vehicle sensors or OEM displays can introduce critical points of failure.
When visibility is lost, mobility, crew safety, and the mission are put at risk. If a vehicle driver can’t see, the vehicle can’t move, and if it can’t move, it becomes an easy target.
Thermal imaging solves these problems by detecting heat rather than visible light. Unlike regular cameras or headlights, thermal sensors work even in total darkness and through harsh, degraded, and obscured environments.
When deployed on armored vehicles, discreet thermal vision enables crews to:
- Maintain forward visibility when windshields are damaged or obscured.
- Operate without headlights to reduce detection.
- Detect personnel, vehicles, animals, and obstacles beyond the limits of human eyesight.
- Preserve mobility and control under low-visibility conditions.
For these reasons, thermal imaging has become a critical capability for armored vehicles operating in high-risk, covert, or unpredictable environments. NightRide’s Trailblazer thermal camera has become the camera of choice as it is designed specifically to meet these operational demands.
Discreet by Design
The NightRide Trailblazer is a palm-sized, lightweight thermal camera weighing just 6 oz. Its compact, low-profile design allows it to be mounted behind the vehicle grille or other discreet location to go undetected - an important tactical advantage.
For quick deployment, the Trailblazer Thermal Camera can also be hood-mounted using the included no-drill hood mount, enabling quick installation without vehicle modifications or permanent changes.
For added benefit, the Trailblazer uses a standard GoPro-style mount for on-foot use and is compatible with GoPro helmet mounts or backpacks when paired with an auxiliary battery pack.
Maintaining Mobility
Disabled Windshield:
In hostile environments, armored vehicles may be targeted to impair driver visibility. When the windshield is damaged, thermal imaging enables the driver to continue moving by providing a live visual feed based on heat signatures when connected to an in-vehicle display or tablet. NightRide’s Trailblazer supports safe navigation around personnel, vehicles, animals and obstacles, helping the driver to react to immediate hazards and continue critical movement.
Operating without headlights:
Trailblazer detects heat signatures in complete darkness, even through smoke, dust, rain, fog, and debris, allowing armoured vehicles to operate with their headlights off. Crews can manoeuvre without revealing their position, a significant advantage in covert, tactical, or high-risk operations.
Detection Range:
Trailblazer is available in two resolutions, 384 × 288 and 640 × 512, to meet various operational needs. With the standard 13 mm lens, these options enable the detection of human-sized targets from 480 to 660 yards, depending on the resolution and setup.
Flexible Integration
Trailblazer operates independently of a vehicle’s built-in multimedia or OEM display systems and has multiple connection options to ensure compatibility:
- The connection from camera to viewing device requires no cellular service, internet access, or external network for advanced security and quick deployment.
- For certain models, Trailblazer offers Power-over-Ethernet (POE), using a single cable for both power and data. This setup supports routed, through-firewall installation. Adapters for USB-C or Lightning connections are included, allowing connection to Android/iOS phones or tablets independent of vehicle systems.
- A dedicated USB variant is also available, delivering power and video over a single USB-A connection. This option is suitable for ruggedized tablets and in-vehicle laptops.
- Trailblazer also supports analog or digital video output to a monitor, for a simple and reliable integration.
Recording Capability
Trailblazer supports continuous and event-based recording for post-mission review, training, or evidentiary purposes. Recording is managed directly by the system, removing the need for secondary screen-capture devices.
Secure by Design
Operational security is fundamental to Trailblazer:
- No cellular connection
- No Internet connection
- No external network access
All video transmission occurs over a closed, short-range wired connection, a security advantage for defence, government, and emergency service operators. This reduces cybersecurity risk and reliance on external infrastructure.
Proven Across High-Risk and Emergency Operations
Trailblazer thermal cameras are used on armored vehicles, ambulances, and emergency response vehicles operating in unpredictable environments. Crews rely on thermal vision to navigate safely, detect threats, and maintain control when conventional visibility is compromised.
With its compact design, discreet installation, flexible integration, secure operation, and effective detection ranges, Trailblazer enhances situational awareness without increasing the vehicle's signature or operational complexity.
To learn more about the NightRide Trailblazer range or to discuss your operational requirements, contact a NightRide representative.
